Looking for some sweet inspiration? Your wedding cake is one of the most important accessories to your big day, just as important as the dress! Make sure your cake matches your personality and vintage inspiration. Who doesn’t like Cake shopping?! It can be such a fun experience (especially the tasting part!), been scouring the internet for my favorite vintage inspired cakes…feast your eyes on some of my favorites! Yum Yum!

Noteworthy Tips!– Scroll all the way down under cake pics for my definitions on “cake terms!

Happy Tasting!

Kirstin @ Froufrou Le Bleu

Check out this lovely English Shabby Chic cake by Nevie Pie Cakes in Hertfordshire, UK! I can’t get enough of shabby chic and this is gorgeous!!

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OK, Let’s just be real here,when I heard that prince Harry was engaged I was uber excited! Picture it like this: me finding out about the engagement, me then pouring over the internet every chance I get to learn more about the bride to be, looking to see what dress she might wear, dreaming of a gorgeous english traditional chapel wedding, the bells, the gorgeous guests showing up as they step out of their cars and finally what the beautiful bride will wear. I am also imagining the fun ceremony that I know will truly be “prince harry” style and a fabulous, possibly nontraditional and modern feeling reception with more of a party vibe! Fast forward to the day of the wedding, me hunkering down on my cozy sectional with my British husband and my 9 year old daughter who is equally obsessed (5 year old isn’t quite there) glass of wine (not tea) in hand of course…and then being absolutely mesmerized, chills worthy moments as the ceremony begins and watching the unforgettable classic royal wedding. Feeling that sense of history, beauty and people watching before me.

We all know about their engagement that happened on November 27th, but let’s get to the nitty gritty on some of the latest details that we have heard about the wedding. We will be doing regular updates and details on the royal day as new facts become known. Cannot wait share more with you! Let’s get going…

Here’s what we know so far..

Date

Apparently there was a special briefing at Buckingham Palace just after their engagement announcement, officials revealed thatthe wedding will take place in may of next year. On Dec. 15, Kensington Palace did also confirmed that the wedding will take place on Saturday May 19th!

Where

The ceremony will take place at beautiful Saint Georges Chapel at Windsor Castle. Kensington Palace spokesman Jason Knauf said “Windsor is a very special place for Prince Harry, and he and Ms. Markle have regularly spent time there during the last year,” “They are delighted that the beautiful grounds of Windsor Castle will be where they begin their lives as a married couple.”. As someone who has spent a fair amount of time in Windsor during my years in the UK , have seen and visited the castle up close and walked it’s grounds, it will be a fantastic, beautiful and meaningful location for the couple.

Who will attend

The Royal family of course, this includes Prince William and Princess Kate, and their children, as well as the Queen — will of course, be in attendance. Meghan’s mom Doria Ragland and dad Tom Markle will also be there! Some of Meghan’s celebrity friends from her show show she was on called ‘suits’ will also be in attendance. Also, Prince Harry has a highly-publicized friendship with former President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama – Maybe we will see them there!

The engagement ring.

Prince Harry proposed to Meghan Markle with a custom engagement ring he designed for his bride-to-be. The ring’s center stone hails from Botswana, a country with personal significance for the couple, and is flanked by two diamonds from the personal collection of Harry’s mother, the late Princess Diana. “The little diamonds on either side are from my mother’s jewelry collection to make sure that she’s with us on this crazy journey together,” Harry told the BBC’s Mishal Husain today in their first interview with the couple. “I think everything about Harry’s thoughtfulness and the inclusion of [Diana’s stones] and, obviously, not being able to meet his mom —it’s so important to me to know that she’s a part of this with us,” Markle said. “It’s incredibly special to be able to have this, which sort of links where comes from which is important to us. It’s perfect.” (scroll down past post to see photos of the ring below).

What will the bride wear.

Meghan has previously shared some of her fav wedding dress designers including Elie Saab (see my previous post here about Eli Saab) and J. Mendel, but right now it’s still a mystery who she’ll turn to for the big day and her gorgeous creation.

I personally think Meghan will chose an effortlessly chic gown with clean lines, possibly a simple yet modern edgy take on the classic gown.She may go for some lace as whimsical Boho is all the rage and she is pretty on trend. What are your thoughts? Its all still speculation at this point, but super exciting to wonder what she will choose!

In closing

On a personal note and my thoughts of this union. I am really happy prince Harry has finally found the one he calls someone special! I know there is some speculation about the two of them together, but I actually think they are so well suited (no pun intended! ha!) together. I see a fun, very natural couple who actually seem to really truly be in love and it doesn’t feel staged or forced to me. I really can see how deeply in love they are and the way they look at one another. A great match, I think harry has ,as we all know..always had a “wild” streak and to find someone with a little pizzaz, style and spark to that side of him, but yet a true solid partnership. I approve and may they have many happy years together! As an american who married a brit I feel a kinship with her, such a fun dynamic in a American/British relationship.

Today, I was particuarrly SO excited to see that one of my absolute favorite UK bridal designers Jenny Packham is now designing beautiful bridesmaid dresses at very affordable prices! Yes please!! Decided I must share this info immdeiately and post right away so you can get ahold of them while they are in stock since it is a recent launch. They are truly fab and it is so exciting. Kate Moss, Kate Middleton, Angelina Jolie and Kate Winslet are all among the huge fans of Jenny Packham dresses and with good reason!

Are you planning a spring or summer wedding? These dresses are perfect for an english country garden theme, boho or any outdoor feeling springy or summery wedding! Think fresh flowers, soft colors and lots of movement and flow in these dresses. Think ethereal and carefree yet refined, elegant, class and on trend.

Here is a little background on designer Jenny Packham below and I am excited for you to see her line and dresses below! Any questions please ask, I have also included links in this post that will take you straight to purchase. Just click on dress photo or any imbedded blue links that are highlighted throughtout my post and it will take you straight to Dessy.com where you can purchase. (See below for a discount code as well!!).

A Great Dessy coupon I would like to share with you – New Customers – 15% off + free shipping – USNEW15 . Enter at checkout for discount.

“One of the UK’s most successful and independent fashion brands with global recognition, Jenny Packham has become the design house of choice when it comes to social dressing. Red carpets the world over are graced with Packham’s designs worn by the most iconic, talented and influential women of our generation including: Taylor Swift, Uma Thurman, Angelina Jolie, Emily Blunt, Kate Winslet, Dita von Teese, Kate Hudson and Oscar winner Adele Adkins. “I am delighted to be launching our Jenny Packham Bridesmaids collection, exclusive to the Dessy Group. Designing bridalwear is one of my greatest pleasures and to extend the signature Jenny Packham style and design aesthetic to create a beautiful, elegant bridesmaids collection inspired by the English country garden, is extremely exciting.” – Jenny Packham”

Note – This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. However all opinions and articles are my own.

Yay, It’s your special day!! You’ve chosen the dress, the cake, the venue, the flowers, so what’s next? Your wedding jewelry of course! This is a fun opportunity to take your bestie, mom or future mother-in-law out for some bonding as well as a time to choose the pieces that reflect you!I have some helpful tips for you as you plan your wedding jewelry.

Your wedding gown is one of the centerpieces of this special day and you want your jewelry to complement your dress, not clash. For a traditional white gown stick with softer hues like platinum settings and pearls. If you’re wearing an ivory gown yellow gold is a great way to bring out the undertones of the gown as well as stand out. Diamond-white gowns work with any metal really, from yellow to rose gold to platinum, it’s very versatile!

Your necklace and earrings are important but don’t let your wrist go lonely! For your cake cutting pictures, wedding ring pictures, and any close-ups a beautiful bracelet will not go unnoticed for sure! For a more traditional look, try a bracelet with lots of art deco sparkle which makes for a gorgeous vintage feel! Colored jewels like blue topaz (my favorite and something blue!) and peridot make for a colorful fun experience!

Check out these gorgeous and affordable Stella and Dot pieces! Maybe you will find something absolutely perfect for you wedding or special occasion.

I just adore these Art Deco inspired, pavé-encrusted, geometric chandeliers. Versatile function gets you three earrings in one–from chandelier to drop to stud. Makes the perfect match to The Casablanca bracelet. (below)

We adore this Art Deco-inspired statement bracelet. A beautiful combination of crystal and pavé stones set in a vintage-inspired pattern. Looks stunning alone or paired with the Vintage Crystal Bracelet for extra sparkle.

Faceted triangular glass crystals sparkle in this quintessential Somervell layering necklace. This crystal necklace transitions beautifully from day to night. Add to several of our statement necklaces for that touch of sparkle! So elegant and has that pop of color..the peach looks gorgeous with an ivory dress and definitely compliments!

These elegant earrings are hand cast from delicate leaves that Blythe found while in Northern California.Totally unique and artsy. The natural fern design will add the perfect touch of romance to your look – can be dressed up or down. Perfect for a Bohemian and earthy style wedding!

(As seen in Fitness Magazine.)

Matching the Chantilly lace earrings, this gold plated filigree cuff was inspired by a piece of vintage lace. A beautiful statement piece. Super cool and obviously can be worn after the wedding! Perfect for an edgy wedding with a hip statement bride.

Enjoy shopping! Hope you find your perfect mate piece of jewelry!

XOXO,

Kirstin @ FrouFrou Le Bleu

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She may be small, but your flower girl has a big job! Leading the way for your walk down the aisle. Because of her unique role, a lot of thought is put into the flower girl’s dress. Many brides opt to have these darlings dressed in miniature versions of their wedding gowns. Whereas Other flower girls are outfitted in white dresses with sashes to match the bridesmaids. From tiered skirts to floral boho accents, each option is cuter than the next. Move over, Suri Cruise; these trends will have your flower girls looking like little fashionistas!!

Check out these fun and totally affordable flower girl dresses from Dessy!

How to decide on what flower girl dress is right for you & your little flower!

Formality
Something to keep in mind when choosing the perfect flower girl dress is formality. The formality of her dress will depend on the formality of the wedding. If you are having your wedding on the beach, then your flower girl’s dress should be something in light and airy colors, such as pastels (light pinks, blues, yellows, etc.) and simple designs. If you are having your wedding in a ballroom setting, then you want to pick a fancy dress for your flower girl.

Style
When choosing the style of your flower girl’s dress, keep in mind that you want to stay within the style of the wedding. As she is walking down the aisle in front of the bride, gently tossing the flower petals on the floor, all eyes in the room will be on her first. You can stay calm in knowing that even though wedding styles have dramatically changed over the years, the style of the flower girl dress has not changed that much. You can choose to have this beautiful little girl’s flower dress made into a special little version of the bride’s wedding gown or even a flower girl version of the bridesmaids’ dresses.

Color
When choosing the color of your little flower girl’s dress, you also want to maintain the colors in the wedding. If you choose to go with having her dress in a miniature version of the bride’s gown, but you still want some color in it, you can incorporate some of the color scheme by putting pretty ribbons and bows in her hair or maybe some small flowers pinned on her dress or a hair wreath (carefully of course).

Comfort
It does not matter how young or old your flower girl is, you still want her to be comfortable in her dress. She will look very beautiful in her flower girl dress, but I can guarantee that if she is not comfortable, your whole wedding will follow suit. Little girls love dressing up for special occasions and they should. Even though we are talking about flower girl dresses, you need to keep in mind that you will have to pick out a matching pair of shoes that she can wear for a long period of time and not start whining. It is recommended you buy her flats (no matter how much she may beg for heels) that are made of patent leather.

Wrinkle Factor and Quality
You want to keep in mind that little girls do not sit still either at the reception nor will they stand still while you say your vows. They also will not remain still even though they are already dressed while you try to put on your wedding gown either. Since she will want to move around and on the off chance you can get her to stay seated while you dress, you want to make sure that your flower girl’s dress stays neat and pretty. Always pick fabrics that are not easily wrinkled and possibly ripped.

Season
The weather and time of year will play a big part in the style of the flower girl dress you pick out. If you are getting married in the summer or spring, then you want to make sure you do not get something that has long sleeves as she will be very hot and may tend to complain more. If your wedding is going to be in the winter or fall, you don’t want to pick a dress that has short sleeves as she will get cold. You also want to pick your flower girl dress in accordance with what colors are for the season, just as you did when you set your wedding date.

Length
There are two different lengths that you should consider when picking your flower girl dress, floor-length and tea-length. If you choose tea-length, make sure the socks or tights that you choose to go with it are appropriate for the style of the dress you choose. If you decide to go with floor-length, make sure that your flower girl will not trip over it. You do not want your beautiful little flower girl to fall and get embarrassed in front of everybody. In my opinion, tea-length is probably your best choice.

Budget
We all know that in planning and setting up your wedding, you have a budget that you have to follow as getting married can cost a lot of money. If money becomes an issue when choosing which flower dress to buy, you can look at purchasing her dress online or you can just buy her a nice party dress. If you choose to shop online for your flower girl dress, you can find a lot of great deals because shopping online can be cheaper than buying in a bridal shop. If you go with buying a party dress as a flower girl dress, make sure that you at least get one that complements the bridesmaid dresses.

Here are some great inspirations below on how to give your flower girl’s dress that special vintage boho flair with the above dresses! Add hair accessories to really amp up her look!

xoxo,

Kirstin @ FrouFrouLeBleu

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This April my husband and I have a fancy big dinner for one of his clients to go to and I honestly cannot wait, just exciting to have an actual reason to dress up!! That hasn’t happened in a while! Here’s the problem, I am currently feeling rather “uninspired” (to put it mildly!) by my closet (help!). I mean let’s face it, I am a stay at home mom, a pretty simple lady and honestly.. I don’t go to too many super fancy events, let’s just say my wardrobe looks a little sad and very “mall-esque” , lol. Not complaining, but this mama needs to take her look up a notch up!

Since I will probably only wear the dress once, I am now considering renting a dress a gorgeous designer dress for the occasion! After reading good reviews of Rent the Runway, I think it’s time to give it a try! Have you tried it? Loving the idea and it’s now really growing on me! Did you know they have a ton of dresses for rent that start at just $30??! (And that includes designers like Monique Lhuillier,Milly, Trina Turk, Badgley Mishka and more of course!). Nice!

A few things really stood out to me that I loved as I browsed around the Rent the Runway website:

Real people upload pictures of themselves in the dresses which I think is amazing and super helpful when trying to select a size

When you rent a dress, you will receive two sizes to help ensure that the dress will fit. wow.

You can sort by so many different categories, including the level of formality, desired neckline, color, body type, occasion, etc.

OK, now onto the big question, so what should I choose? Here are a few of my favorites below!

Oh and if you end up shopping, make sure to enter this code for your 20% off your first rental! Here it is..(FIRSTRTR20P)

Enjoy Ladies!

XOXO, Kirstin

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For as long as I can remember, since I was about 13 and shopping with my friends for “vintage” at Salvation army in San Francisco where I grew up..I have loved anything & everything vintage and bohemian!! Of course growing up in the peace loving city of SF where it all “happened” along Haight street I am sure helped inspire me greatly! I have always deeply loved, lived and felt a deep connection to anything hippy, flowy and flowery!

Planning a bohemian wedding? Check out these gorgeous images and ideas below! I just love all the inspiration and was so excited about doing this post!

Who’s planning a boho wedding? Would love to hear your thoughts and comments!

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Last Minute Checklist

In the craziness of all the day-of excitement, it’s so darn easy for even the most detail-oriented person to forget to take care of some last minute wedding details, whether it be to make sure grandma Irene’s restricted diet dish with the special gluten free details is accounted for or to pop a couple of breath mints before the big kiss. I know it can and will be so easy to forget some minor and major details for your big day! I know I did.

So, I decided to make this list of things I think are most important as far as last minute wedding details that could ruin your big day if not attended to and if you don’t make that checklist! So, read mine and let your worries fall to the wayside!

1. Check in with your vendors.

“Confirm arrangements with your pros and make sure they all have exact directions and a contact person’s cell phone number,” advises Julie Pryor of Pryor Events in Los Angeles.

2. Prepare final payments.

“Pay your vendors ahead of time,” says Emilie Duncan of Emilie Duncan Event Planning in Columbus, Ohio. “Then you don’t have to try to remember what is owed to whom on your wedding day.”

3. Have an “insurance policy.”

“When your vendors collect your final payments, have each of them sign a note indicating he’s received it,” advises Samantha Goldberg of Gold Events Planning in New Jersey. “Then if anyone claims he wasn’t paid, you will have proof that he was.”

4. Create tip envelopes.

“If you plan on tipping anyone, such as the banquet captain, wait staff or DJ, prepare envelopes with their names and insert the correct amounts,” says Duncan. “Sealed envelopes are a whole lot safer than a big stack of bills in someone’s pocket!”

5. Bring extra cash just in case.

“You might want to give a gratuity to someone who you feel has gone above and beyond the call of duty,” says Kathi R. Evans, event coordinator for All the Best Weddings and Celebrations, based in New Jersey.

6. Drop your luggage off early.

“If you’ll be staying overnight at a hotel after the reception, bring your bags the night before or have a friend or family member drop them off the morning of the wedding,” suggests Sarah Lusardi, wedding planner for NY Engagements, LLC, in New York.

7. Pack for your honeymoon early.

Doing it sooner rather than later is the way to guarantee one less worry,” says Pryor. “Also, make sure your passports and travel documents are in order.”

8. Pack properly for your destination wedding.

“Make a list of all the important things you need to bring and, if possible, pack them as carry-on,” says Cindy Clearwater of SunCelebrations in the Virgin Islands. “You may be able to pick up such necessities as drugstore items at your wedding destination, but don’t assume so.”

9. Have wedding items in place before the big day.

Lusardi suggests having your wedding favors, toasting glasses, cake knife and server delivered to your reception site a few days beforehand. For anything going to the ceremony site, designate a trusted friend or family member to get everything there before the guests arrive.

10. Put your signature-drink recipes in writing.

“Give a list to your bartender the day before, so he doesn’t forget exactly what you want,” says Sasha Souza of Sasha Souza Events in California.

11. Name those tunes.

Songs are often covered or remade by different bands, so double-check with your DJ or band leader that they have the versions you want.

12. Have a discussion with your photographer.

“Leave nothing to chance. Give him or her a list of people you’d like to have photographed together,” advises Pryor. “He’ll probably get the obvious ones, but if you want a picture of your sorority sisters or everyone who flew in for your wedding or your new husband’s coworkers, let your photographer know in advance.”

13. Create a wedding-day photography schedule.

Jean Picard, state coordinator for the Association of Bridal Consultants in California, says this is the best way to keep things moving smoothly. “For example,” she says, “if the bride, the bridesmaids and the bride’s family are being photographed at 3:15 p.m., this means they need to be at the location at 3:00 p.m., fully dressed, coiffed and made up. You don’t want a bridesmaid thinking she can pull into the parking lot at 3:15 p.m. with rollers in her hair and her dress in a garment bag!”

14. Create a day-of itinerary.

“Write a detailed schedule for the bridal party and family to be distributed after the rehearsal,” suggests Jo Ann S. Woodward, wedding coordinator in Texas. “This lets people know where and when to arrive for photographs and so on.”

15. Review printed materials.

“Be sure to carefully check place cards, table numbers, menus and programs for errors several days before your wedding,” says Pryor.

16. Make your guests feel loved.

17. Line your cards up.

“Arrange all your escort and seating cards in alphabetical order ahead of time,” suggests Souza. “Bring an extra copy of the seating arrangements or give it to a bridesmaid and let her be in charge of it.”

18. Hydrate your flowers.

“Have a vase of water ready for bouquets when it is hot and dry outside,” Goldberg advises. “Certain flowers, like hydrangea and lilies, need water, so if you want your bouquet to live past the ceremony, don’t let it get thirsty!” Souza adds, “Order a few extra boutonnieres in case some die or are lost.”

19. Figure out how to get your gown to your location.

If you and your bridesmaids expect to dress at your ceremony site, don’t end up trying to fit large garment bags into one car along with you and your maids. If you have a plan in place, you’ll avoid stress.

20. Get your limo driver’s number.

“Don’t forget to bring his cell phone number in case you change your exit time or leave something in the car,” suggests Isha Foss, wedding consultant and owner of Isha Foss Events, based in Virginia. “At midnight, it won’t help to have only the office number.”

21. Arrange transportation home for your bridal party.

“Don’t strand your attendants at your wedding location!” says Duncan. “If they’re planning to arrive via shared transportation, make sure they have a ride at the end of the evening as well.”

22. Prepare for rain.

“If you’re planning an outdoor ceremony, be sure to have a tent set up and umbrellas on hand for guests just in case,” suggests Goldberg.

23. Nominate a gift caretaker.

“Designate in advance someone to take your presents home,” suggests Foss. “Give her a house key so she can have everything there for you when you return.”

24. Designate a wedding-day supervisor.

“Have a well-organized relative arrive early at the ceremony and reception site to ensure everything is in order,” suggests Lusardi.

25. Give your legal documents to someone responsible.

“Appoint someone to keep your signed marriage license until the end of the evening so it doesn’t get lost,” says Duncan. “Some honeymoon locations will give you special perks if you show proof that you’re honeymooners. That license may be all you’ll have.”

26. Don’t go hungry!

“Pre-order breakfast delivery to your hotel room the morning of the wedding,” says Souza. “Going through the day on an empty stomach isn’t helpful in dealing with all the excitement.”

27. Make sure everyone knows when it’s over.

“Double-check the end time of your wedding with your venue, as well as the time it must be cleared out, and give this information to all vendors,” says Foss. This will prevent unexpected overtime fees.

28. Pack a big-day emergency kit.

Lusardi suggests including bobby pins, hairspray, face powder, lip gloss and lipstick, hemming tape for last-minute repairs, traction pads for heels, a pair of panty hose, an umbrella and a shawl, stain remover, tissues and backup copies of your music choices should something happen to the originals.

Most of all and finally...Enjoy your wedding day!!

Oh and trying to stay calm, relaxed and pretty is pretty important too!

Hugs!

XOXO,

Kirstin@froufroulebleu.com

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Just loving the yellow trend right now were seeing all over the runway. Why not weddings?! I had to post some of these amazing yellowy mustard bridesmaid dresses I am seeing, wonderful dresses that can be taken from the wedding to a cocktail party and years beyond. I am all about reusable dresses. What is the point in wearing something once! Enjoy these for years…

Ok ladies…was just on Dessy’s site and discovered a new designer who’s gorgeous dresses are now available on their site! Her name is Jenny Yoo and I am absolutely in LOVE with these dresses!! Such a perfect mix of sophisticated and classy, with that little hint of vintage and bohemian touches. The lace, flora, great lengths and very flattering lines make her a winning designer. What I really love is that her dresses are so fabulous and will blend into your regular wardrobe after the wedding is over. So, you aren’t spending money on a dress …that just sits in your closet after the wedding and you either have to donate it or sell it on to get rid of it.

Here is a little bit about the designer and then let’s get to the goods! I posted some of her lovely designs below.

I was also very excited to see that she is a local Orange County babe and is local to me. Nice to have such talent here in the OC.

Meet Jenny Yoo Jenny Yoo hails from a small town outside of Philadelphia. She attended the prestigious Parsons School of Design in New York City and received her bachelors degree in Fashion Design. She is the founder and designer of Jenny Yoo Collection, Inc., a highly successful and rapidly growing company within the bridal industry.

Upon graduating from Parsons, she worked for a private label company before becoming an associate designer at Ann Taylor. She gained valuable experience and knowledge working for a corporate fashion apparel company. She recognized the importance of understanding consumer needs, but was frustrated with the creative limitations faced while working for a corporate label. She was determined to pursue her dreams.

If you are interested in any of the dresses please click on any of the links I have included in this highlighted blog post or on any of the photos, it should bring you to Dessy ..and take you straight to the site to purchase.